US6341440B1 - Multi-function signboard - Google Patents

Multi-function signboard Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US6341440B1
US6341440B1 US09/457,722 US45772299A US6341440B1 US 6341440 B1 US6341440 B1 US 6341440B1 US 45772299 A US45772299 A US 45772299A US 6341440 B1 US6341440 B1 US 6341440B1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
light
seat
frame
display board
signboard
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Fee Related
Application number
US09/457,722
Inventor
Ching-Chuan Lee
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Wen Tai Enterprise Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Wen Tai Enterprise Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wen Tai Enterprise Co Ltd filed Critical Wen Tai Enterprise Co Ltd
Priority to US09/457,722 priority Critical patent/US6341440B1/en
Assigned to WEN TAI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. reassignment WEN TAI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: LEE, CHING-CHUAN
Priority to DE20000775U priority patent/DE20000775U1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6341440B1 publication Critical patent/US6341440B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0023Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided by one optical element, or plurality thereof, placed between the light guide and the light source, or around the light source
    • G02B6/0025Diffusing sheet or layer; Prismatic sheet or layer
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0066Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form characterised by the light source being coupled to the light guide
    • G02B6/0068Arrangements of plural sources, e.g. multi-colour light sources
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0081Mechanical or electrical aspects of the light guide and light source in the lighting device peculiar to the adaptation to planar light guides, e.g. concerning packaging
    • G02B6/0083Details of electrical connections of light sources to drivers, circuit boards, or the like
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0081Mechanical or electrical aspects of the light guide and light source in the lighting device peculiar to the adaptation to planar light guides, e.g. concerning packaging
    • G02B6/0086Positioning aspects
    • G02B6/0091Positioning aspects of the light source relative to the light guide
    • GPHYSICS
    • G09EDUCATION; CRYPTOGRAPHY; DISPLAY; ADVERTISING; SEALS
    • G09FDISPLAYING; ADVERTISING; SIGNS; LABELS OR NAME-PLATES; SEALS
    • G09F13/00Illuminated signs; Luminous advertising
    • G09F13/04Signs, boards or panels, illuminated from behind the insignia
    • G09F13/14Arrangements of reflectors therein
    • GPHYSICS
    • G02OPTICS
    • G02BOPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/0001Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems
    • G02B6/0011Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings specially adapted for lighting devices or systems the light guides being planar or of plate-like form
    • G02B6/0013Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide
    • G02B6/0015Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it
    • G02B6/002Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces
    • G02B6/0021Means for improving the coupling-in of light from the light source into the light guide provided on the surface of the light guide or in the bulk of it by shaping at least a portion of the light guide, e.g. with collimating, focussing or diverging surfaces for housing at least a part of the light source, e.g. by forming holes or recesses

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a multi-function signboard, more particularly to a signboard that utilizes high-luminosity light emitting diodes in cooperation with a light diffusion strip to enable words or devices on the surface of a display board to change colors and to enable the colored light to distribute in a uniform manner. More importantly, when external power supply is abnormal, the signboard of the present invention can serve as an emergency and warning light.
  • Signboards and signposts are important to business in advertising the goods or services provided thereby. In densely populated areas of a city, signboards and signposts can help draw and guide consumers.
  • a conventional signboard includes a frame holding a display board of transparent acrylic or glass.
  • the surface of the display board have an ornamental marking formed by words and/devices adhered thereto or inscribed thereon.
  • Such display is static.
  • the ornamental marking on the display board reflects the light projected thereon to achieve changes in light and hues.
  • a drawback with such a conventional signboard is that the lights and the display board are separately arranged and have to be installed onsite. Besides, the light projected is in a single color, which appears monotonous and boring after a period of time.
  • the light fixtures are generally fluorescent lamps that have strips of different colors adhered thereto.
  • the transmission device includes a motor and a speed reduction means driven thereby.
  • the reduction means engages a rotary shaft end at one end of the lighting fixtures.
  • the lighting fixtures rotate, the lights from the colored strips enter in sequence from the bottom portion of the display board to be reflected by the ornamental marking on the display board, thereby achieving a colorful and preferred visual effect.
  • fluorescent lamps have a limited service life and have to be replaced after a period of time. Besides, it is necessary to adhere colored strips to the new fluorescent lamps.
  • the transmission device and the fluorescent lamps are power-consuming, which is quite uneconomical.
  • the change in colors is determined by the colored strips; it is not possible to permit colorful and planned change of colors.
  • a primary object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function signboard that eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art.
  • FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an assembled sectional view of the present invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating light diffusion in the present invention.
  • a signboard of the present invention includes a frame seat 1 , a light seat 2 , a light diffusion strip 3 , a display board 4 , a circuit board 5 , and a power source portion 6 .
  • the frame seat 1 is a hollow light impermeable structure having a top portion that sinks downward to form a frame rib 11 , and a frame groove 12 for receiving the light seat 2 , the light diffusion strip 3 , and the display board 4 .
  • the frame seat 1 has two ends respectively connected to an end cap 13 .
  • Each end cap 13 is provided with a cap rib 131 that depresses downwardly to correspond to the frame groove 12 , and a cap groove 132 for positioning and supporting the display board 4 .
  • the cap ribs 131 of the end caps 13 are respectively provided with a nut 133 .
  • a screw rod 134 passes through the frame seat 1 to be locked with each nut 133 with an end portion abutting the display board 4 , thereby connecting firmly the frame seat 1 , the end caps 13 , and the display board 4 .
  • the light seat 2 is an elongate seat having connecting wires connected to the circuit board 5 , and has a plurality of light emitting diodes 21 of different colors arranged in sets of three.
  • the three light emitting diodes 21 in each set are red, blue and green.
  • the light emitting diodes 21 can be controlled to have only the red one, or any two, or all three of the light emitting diodes 21 to flash alternately so as to display light of seven different colors, red, blue, green, magenta, yellow, cyan and white.
  • the light diffusion strip 3 is a transparent elongated strip with a length equal to that of the light seat 2 , and straddles the light seat 2 .
  • the light diffusion strip 3 is provided with semi-circular holes 31 corresponding to the light emitting diodes 21 to diffuse the colored light emitted by the light emitting diodes during passage of the light therethrough, so that all the colored light can enter the display board 4 with a uniform hue.
  • the display board 4 is a transparent board structure.
  • the display board 4 is preferably formed from glass or acrylic.
  • the display board 4 has a bottom portion inserted into the frame groove 12 and supported by the light diffusion strip 3 .
  • the surface of the display board 4 is provided with an ornamental marking 41 formed by words and/or devices to reflect the colored lights emitted from the light seat 2 and the light diffusion strip 3 to thereby achieve an ever-changing and multifarious lighting effect.
  • two side ends and a top edge of the display board 4 have a light reflecting sheet 42 adhered thereto to avoid loss of the light emitted by the light emitting diodes 2 1 and increase the brightness of the display board 4 .
  • an intermediate section of the frame groove 12 is provided with a frame bend 121 on each side so that the frame groove 12 is narrow at the top, wider at the bottom.
  • the two frame bends 121 abut against stops 32 on both sides of the light diffusion strip 3 .
  • the circuit board 5 is a conventional control circuit that is provided in the frame seat 1 and that has connecting wires connected to the light seat 2 and the power source portion 6 .
  • the circuit board 5 controls the light emitting diodes 21 to alternately flash to generate light of different colors.
  • the power source portion 6 supplies power to the circuit board 5 from an external power source to thereby control the light seat 2 .
  • the present invention can also be used as an emergency light and warning device.
  • a tubular post 135 extends from an inner side of one of the end caps 13 and accommodates therein a plurality of rechargeable batteries 7 .
  • a sealing cap 136 seals the opening of the tubular post 135 .
  • the tubular post 135 has connecting wires connected to the control circuit of the circuit board 5 .
  • the control circuit will automatically switch to an emergency state so that the batteries 7 start supplying power to the circuit board 5 to actuate the blue and green light emitting diodes 21 to be on and to cause the red light emitting diodes 21 to blink.
  • the frequency of blinking of the red light emitting diodes 21 is quicker than the ordinary flashing to exhibit an emergency and warning effect.
  • the circuit board 5 is restored to its normal state and automatically recharges the batteries 7 via the control circuit so as to make up for the consumption of energy.
  • the light seat 2 can be controlled to cause the light emitting diodes 21 to alternately flash and to cause only one or any two or all three in a set to emit light so as to generate changing light of seven colors, and the colored light enter via the semi-circular holes 31 of the light diffusion strip 3 into the display board 4 in a uniform manner to change the color of the ornamental marking 41 .
  • the present invention eliminates the use of transmission devices and the trouble of adhering colored strips to the lights.
  • the batteries 7 can supply power to the circuit board 5 to cause the blue and green light emitting diodes 21 to be on, with the red light emitting diodes 21 blinking, thereby achieving an emergency and warning light.
  • the light emitting diodes 21 used in the present invention have high luminosity and energy-saving, which are absent in the prior art as well.
  • the light reflecting sheets 42 adhered to two side ends and the top edge of the display board 4 can generate a mirror effect to enhance the overall brightness of the display board 4 and reduce the loss of light from the light emitting diodes 21 .

Abstract

A multi-function signboard includes a frame seat, a light seat, a light diffusion strip, a display board, a circuit board and a power source portion. The frame seat is a hollow light impermeable structure having a top portion that sinks downward to form a frame rib, and a frame groove, and has two ends respectively connected to an end cap. The light seat is an elongate seat that has connecting wires connected to the circuit board, and a plurality of light emitting diodes of different colors arranged in sets of three to provide light of different colors. The light diffusion strip is a transparent elongated strip with a length equal to that of the light seat, and is disposed on the light seat. The light diffusion strip and the light seat are together disposed in the frame groove. The diffusion strip is provided with semi-circular holes corresponding to the light emitting diodes to diffuse the colored light emitted by the light emitting diodes. The display board is a transparent board structure that has a bottom portion inserted into the frame groove and supported by the light diffusion strip. The display board has a surface with an ornamental marking formed by words and/or devices to reflect the colored lights emitted from the light seat and the light diffusion strip to thereby achieve an ever-changing and multifarious lighting effect. The circuit board is a conventional control circuit that is provided in the frame seat and that has connecting wires connected to the light seat and a power source portion to control one or any two or all three in each set of light emitting diodes to flash alternately. The power source portion is adapted to supply power to the circuit board from an external power source to thereby control the light seat.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of The Invention
The present invention relates to a multi-function signboard, more particularly to a signboard that utilizes high-luminosity light emitting diodes in cooperation with a light diffusion strip to enable words or devices on the surface of a display board to change colors and to enable the colored light to distribute in a uniform manner. More importantly, when external power supply is abnormal, the signboard of the present invention can serve as an emergency and warning light.
2. Description of Related Art
Signboards and signposts are important to business in advertising the goods or services provided thereby. In densely populated areas of a city, signboards and signposts can help draw and guide consumers.
A conventional signboard includes a frame holding a display board of transparent acrylic or glass. The surface of the display board have an ornamental marking formed by words and/devices adhered thereto or inscribed thereon. Such display is static. There is also another type of conventional signboard in which lights are arranged around the display board to project light thereon. The ornamental marking on the display board reflects the light projected thereon to achieve changes in light and hues. A drawback with such a conventional signboard is that the lights and the display board are separately arranged and have to be installed onsite. Besides, the light projected is in a single color, which appears monotonous and boring after a period of time.
Manufacturers have later developed a signboard that includes lighting fixtures and a transmission device mounted in a frame. The light fixtures are generally fluorescent lamps that have strips of different colors adhered thereto. The transmission device includes a motor and a speed reduction means driven thereby. The reduction means engages a rotary shaft end at one end of the lighting fixtures. When the lighting fixtures rotate, the lights from the colored strips enter in sequence from the bottom portion of the display board to be reflected by the ornamental marking on the display board, thereby achieving a colorful and preferred visual effect. However, there is the drawback that fluorescent lamps have a limited service life and have to be replaced after a period of time. Besides, it is necessary to adhere colored strips to the new fluorescent lamps. Furthermore, the transmission device and the fluorescent lamps are power-consuming, which is quite uneconomical. Furthermore, the change in colors is determined by the colored strips; it is not possible to permit colorful and planned change of colors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A primary object of the present invention is to provide a multi-function signboard that eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which,
FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is an assembled sectional view of the present invention; and
FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating light diffusion in the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
With reference to FIGS. 1 to 2, a signboard of the present invention includes a frame seat 1, a light seat 2, a light diffusion strip 3, a display board 4, a circuit board 5, and a power source portion 6.
The frame seat 1 is a hollow light impermeable structure having a top portion that sinks downward to form a frame rib 11, and a frame groove 12 for receiving the light seat 2, the light diffusion strip 3, and the display board 4. In addition, the frame seat 1 has two ends respectively connected to an end cap 13. Each end cap 13 is provided with a cap rib 131 that depresses downwardly to correspond to the frame groove 12, and a cap groove 132 for positioning and supporting the display board 4. In order that the display board 4 will not displace forwardly or rearwardly, the cap ribs 131 of the end caps 13 are respectively provided with a nut 133. A screw rod 134 passes through the frame seat 1 to be locked with each nut 133 with an end portion abutting the display board 4, thereby connecting firmly the frame seat 1, the end caps 13, and the display board 4.
The light seat 2 is an elongate seat having connecting wires connected to the circuit board 5, and has a plurality of light emitting diodes 21 of different colors arranged in sets of three. Preferably, the three light emitting diodes 21 in each set are red, blue and green. By means of the circuit board 5 that control the electrical circuitry, the light emitting diodes 21 can be controlled to have only the red one, or any two, or all three of the light emitting diodes 21 to flash alternately so as to display light of seven different colors, red, blue, green, magenta, yellow, cyan and white.
The light diffusion strip 3 is a transparent elongated strip with a length equal to that of the light seat 2, and straddles the light seat 2. The light diffusion strip 3 is provided with semi-circular holes 31 corresponding to the light emitting diodes 21 to diffuse the colored light emitted by the light emitting diodes during passage of the light therethrough, so that all the colored light can enter the display board 4 with a uniform hue.
The display board 4 is a transparent board structure. In use, the display board 4 is preferably formed from glass or acrylic. The display board 4 has a bottom portion inserted into the frame groove 12 and supported by the light diffusion strip 3. The surface of the display board 4 is provided with an ornamental marking 41 formed by words and/or devices to reflect the colored lights emitted from the light seat 2 and the light diffusion strip 3 to thereby achieve an ever-changing and multifarious lighting effect. In addition, two side ends and a top edge of the display board 4 have a light reflecting sheet 42 adhered thereto to avoid loss of the light emitted by the light emitting diodes 2 1 and increase the brightness of the display board 4.
Furthermore, in order to achieve preferred positioning and contact relationship among the light seat 2, the light diffusion strip 3 and the display board 4, an intermediate section of the frame groove 12 is provided with a frame bend 121 on each side so that the frame groove 12 is narrow at the top, wider at the bottom. The two frame bends 121 abut against stops 32 on both sides of the light diffusion strip 3. Hence, the light diffusion strip 3 along with the light seat 2 can be fixedly disposed in the wider portion of the frame groove 12, while the display board 4 is insertably disposed in the narrower portion of the frame groove 12 with the bottom edge thereof connected to the light diffusion strip 3.
The circuit board 5 is a conventional control circuit that is provided in the frame seat 1 and that has connecting wires connected to the light seat 2 and the power source portion 6. The circuit board 5 controls the light emitting diodes 21 to alternately flash to generate light of different colors.
The power source portion 6 supplies power to the circuit board 5 from an external power source to thereby control the light seat 2.
The present invention can also be used as an emergency light and warning device. A tubular post 135 extends from an inner side of one of the end caps 13 and accommodates therein a plurality of rechargeable batteries 7. A sealing cap 136 seals the opening of the tubular post 135. The tubular post 135 has connecting wires connected to the control circuit of the circuit board 5. When there is any trouble, for instance, external power cut, the control circuit will automatically switch to an emergency state so that the batteries 7 start supplying power to the circuit board 5 to actuate the blue and green light emitting diodes 21 to be on and to cause the red light emitting diodes 21 to blink. The frequency of blinking of the red light emitting diodes 21 is quicker than the ordinary flashing to exhibit an emergency and warning effect. When the external power supply resumes, the circuit board 5 is restored to its normal state and automatically recharges the batteries 7 via the control circuit so as to make up for the consumption of energy.
In the present invention, by means of the control circuit of the circuit board 5, the light seat 2 can be controlled to cause the light emitting diodes 21 to alternately flash and to cause only one or any two or all three in a set to emit light so as to generate changing light of seven colors, and the colored light enter via the semi-circular holes 31 of the light diffusion strip 3 into the display board 4 in a uniform manner to change the color of the ornamental marking 41. Compared to the conventional signboards, the present invention eliminates the use of transmission devices and the trouble of adhering colored strips to the lights. In addition, when external power supply fails, the batteries 7 can supply power to the circuit board 5 to cause the blue and green light emitting diodes 21 to be on, with the red light emitting diodes 21 blinking, thereby achieving an emergency and warning light. Furthermore, the light emitting diodes 21 used in the present invention have high luminosity and energy-saving, which are absent in the prior art as well. More importantly, the light reflecting sheets 42 adhered to two side ends and the top edge of the display board 4 can generate a mirror effect to enhance the overall brightness of the display board 4 and reduce the loss of light from the light emitting diodes 21.
Although the present invention has been illustrated and described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it should be understood that it is in no way limited to the details of such embodiment but is capable of numerous modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (10)

What is claimed is:
1. A multi-function signboard, comprising:
a frame seat sinking downward to form a frame rib bounding a frame groove, and having two ends, each respectively connected to an end cap;
an elongated light seat having connecting wires connected to a circuit board and a plurality of sets of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), each set having at least three LEDs of different colors to provide colored light of different colors, where the circuit board has a power source to cause at least one LED in each set of LEDs to flash alternately;
a transparent and colorless light diffusion strip disposed on the light seat, the light diffusion strip and the light seat together disposed in the frame groove, the diffusion strip having holes therein accommodating the LEDs, the diffusion strip diffusing the colored light emitted by the LEDs;
a transparent display board mounted in the frame groove in contact with the light diffusion strip, and having an ornamental marking to reflect the colored light emitted from the light seat and the light diffusion strip to achieve an ever-changing and multifarious lighting effect; and,
a reflecting sheet adhered to the display board to reflect the colored light emitted by the LEDs to the display board.
2. The signboard of claim 1, wherein the LEDs are high-luminosity LEDs.
3. The signboard of claim 1, wherein the at least three LEDs in each of the plurality of sets are red, blue, and green in color.
4. The signboard of claim 3, wherein the blue and green LEDs in each of the plurality of sets remain on continuously and the red LED in each of the plurality of sets blinks on and off.
5. The signboard of claim 1, wherein each end cap has a downward cap rib aligned with the frame groove, and a cap groove positioning and supporting the display board.
6. The signboard of claim 5, wherein the cap rib of each end cap has a nut, a screw passing through the frame seat engaging the nut and abutting against the display board, such that the screw and the nut firmly connect the frame seat, the end caps, and the display board together.
7. The signboard of claim 1, wherein the display board is formed from one of transparent acrylic and transparent glass.
8. The signboard of claim 1, wherein the power source is adapted to supply power to the circuit board from an external power source to control the light seat.
9. The signboard of claim 1, wherein an intermediate section of the frame rib has a frame bend on opposite sides so that the frame groove has a narrow portion and a wide portion, each frame bend abutting against a stop on the light diffusion strip, such that the light diffusion strip along with the light seat is fixedly disposed in the wide portion of the frame groove, and the display board is disposed in the narrow portion of the frame groove.
10. The signboard of claim 1, further comprising an emergency light and warning device comprising a tubular post extending into the frame seat from one of the end caps and accommodating therein at least one rechargeable battery, such that the circuit board automatically switches to an emergency state when external power fails and the at least one battery supplies power to the circuit board.
US09/457,722 1999-12-10 1999-12-10 Multi-function signboard Expired - Fee Related US6341440B1 (en)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/457,722 US6341440B1 (en) 1999-12-10 1999-12-10 Multi-function signboard
DE20000775U DE20000775U1 (en) 1999-12-10 2000-01-18 Multifunction scoreboard

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/457,722 US6341440B1 (en) 1999-12-10 1999-12-10 Multi-function signboard
DE20000775U DE20000775U1 (en) 1999-12-10 2000-01-18 Multifunction scoreboard

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US6341440B1 true US6341440B1 (en) 2002-01-29

Family

ID=26055996

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US09/457,722 Expired - Fee Related US6341440B1 (en) 1999-12-10 1999-12-10 Multi-function signboard

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (1) US6341440B1 (en)
DE (1) DE20000775U1 (en)

Cited By (32)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020157292A1 (en) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-31 Landers Elorian C. Lighted article with brightly illuminated indicia and method of fabricating same
US6511195B2 (en) * 2001-05-17 2003-01-28 Fonderal S.R.L. Street lamp to carry a luminous plate and for lighting
GB2385190A (en) * 2002-02-07 2003-08-13 W M Sign Consultants Ltd Illuminated display
US6705743B1 (en) * 2002-07-18 2004-03-16 Ismail A Elembaby Display light apparatus
US6745507B2 (en) 2002-05-23 2004-06-08 Glenmore A. Golding Address illumination assembly
US20040216343A1 (en) * 2002-05-23 2004-11-04 Golding Glenmore A. Address illumination assembly
US20050030763A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2005-02-10 Bahram Bahramian Electrical connector, LED assembly, and method of assembly therefor
US20050210644A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2005-09-29 Bahram Bahramian Low profile light panel
WO2005091025A1 (en) * 2004-03-15 2005-09-29 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Luminous module for mounting in a household appliance, and household appliance comprising the same
US20050219860A1 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-10-06 Schexnaider Craig J Light panel illuminated by light emitting diodes
US20050239581A1 (en) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-27 Naylor Roger A Sr Illuminated display
US20070041188A1 (en) * 2005-08-18 2007-02-22 Angelos John F Snap on Christmas lights!
US20070062085A1 (en) * 2005-09-01 2007-03-22 Frank Pan Sign panel arrangement with three-dimensional illumination effect
US20070086193A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Chun-Ming Chen Luminous display stand
US20070234608A1 (en) * 2006-03-13 2007-10-11 Morrison David J Lighted display for graphic artwork
WO2008020700A1 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-02-21 Joo-Hyun Kim Assembling channel signboard
US20080066356A1 (en) * 2004-08-06 2008-03-20 Miller David C Luminous Displays
CN100432786C (en) * 2005-03-08 2008-11-12 三星电子株式会社 Display apparatus and display components
EP2023033A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-02-11 King Sound Enterprises Co Ltd Low power consuption LED emergency light
US20090199444A1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2009-08-13 Spectrum Research Group Inc. Illuminated message board
US7681347B1 (en) 2006-06-07 2010-03-23 Imageworks Display And Marketing Group Edge lit sign with illuminated image
US20100199533A1 (en) * 2009-02-09 2010-08-12 Robert Tsai Display box with LEDs
US20130199065A1 (en) * 2012-02-06 2013-08-08 GE Lighting Solutions, LLC Edge-Lit Light Engine Module for Signs and Sign
US20130329459A1 (en) * 2011-02-08 2013-12-12 GE Lighting Solutions, LLC Blade of light luminaire
GB2510161A (en) * 2013-01-28 2014-07-30 Catchenergy Ltd Edge-lit display apparatus with interchangeable display panel
CN104898541A (en) * 2015-04-23 2015-09-09 河南职业技术学院 Intelligent automatic console of PLC electric appliance
USD744040S1 (en) 2012-08-14 2015-11-24 Ben Schloss Edge lit magnetic sign
US10002552B1 (en) * 2013-03-16 2018-06-19 Alex Gologursky Light panel display apparatus for image sheet illumination
US20190059340A1 (en) * 2017-08-31 2019-02-28 Joshua Douglas Brown Edge-Lit Laminated Aquarium Wall and Filtration Assembly
US20190231068A1 (en) * 2018-01-26 2019-08-01 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low Voltage Power System for a Merchandise Display
CN110121677A (en) * 2016-12-28 2019-08-13 夏普株式会社 Lighting device and display device
US10571103B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2020-02-25 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low voltage power supply for a merchandise display system

Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2994148A (en) * 1959-01-21 1961-08-01 Mcphilben Mfg Co Inc Directional luminaire
US3906650A (en) * 1972-11-30 1975-09-23 Moody L Coffman Illuminating device
US4386476A (en) * 1981-11-03 1983-06-07 Manfred Schulman Edge lighted display sign
US4791745A (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-12-20 Pohn Mac R Black light display system
US4985809A (en) * 1988-08-23 1991-01-15 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Surface light source panel
US5027258A (en) * 1989-06-19 1991-06-25 Inotec Gmbh Gesellschaft Fur Innovative Technik Display unit
US5433024A (en) * 1993-10-04 1995-07-18 Displayonix Corp. Edge-lighted display
US5526236A (en) * 1994-07-27 1996-06-11 General Signal Corporation Lighting device used in an exit sign
US5640792A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-06-24 National Service Industries, Inc. Lighting fixtures
US5829177A (en) * 1995-09-08 1998-11-03 Leonardo Investments Ltd. Illuminated sign and sign plate therefor
US5915855A (en) * 1996-09-27 1999-06-29 Meitaku System Co., Ltd Bar light source for an edge light panel and an illumination sign device using the same
US5950340A (en) * 1999-02-02 1999-09-14 Woo; Fay Kan-Kyone Sign box
US5954423A (en) * 1997-05-02 1999-09-21 Nsi Enterprises, Inc. Light distribution diffuser for exit signs and the like illuminated by LED arrays
US5964051A (en) * 1997-03-03 1999-10-12 Autronics Plastics, Inc. Internally illuminated sign
US6050010A (en) * 1998-04-01 2000-04-18 Lightworks Jrj Enterprises, Inc. Internally illuminatable card and lighter

Patent Citations (15)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2994148A (en) * 1959-01-21 1961-08-01 Mcphilben Mfg Co Inc Directional luminaire
US3906650A (en) * 1972-11-30 1975-09-23 Moody L Coffman Illuminating device
US4386476A (en) * 1981-11-03 1983-06-07 Manfred Schulman Edge lighted display sign
US4791745A (en) * 1987-03-20 1988-12-20 Pohn Mac R Black light display system
US4985809A (en) * 1988-08-23 1991-01-15 Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd. Surface light source panel
US5027258A (en) * 1989-06-19 1991-06-25 Inotec Gmbh Gesellschaft Fur Innovative Technik Display unit
US5433024A (en) * 1993-10-04 1995-07-18 Displayonix Corp. Edge-lighted display
US5526236A (en) * 1994-07-27 1996-06-11 General Signal Corporation Lighting device used in an exit sign
US5640792A (en) * 1995-06-07 1997-06-24 National Service Industries, Inc. Lighting fixtures
US5829177A (en) * 1995-09-08 1998-11-03 Leonardo Investments Ltd. Illuminated sign and sign plate therefor
US5915855A (en) * 1996-09-27 1999-06-29 Meitaku System Co., Ltd Bar light source for an edge light panel and an illumination sign device using the same
US5964051A (en) * 1997-03-03 1999-10-12 Autronics Plastics, Inc. Internally illuminated sign
US5954423A (en) * 1997-05-02 1999-09-21 Nsi Enterprises, Inc. Light distribution diffuser for exit signs and the like illuminated by LED arrays
US6050010A (en) * 1998-04-01 2000-04-18 Lightworks Jrj Enterprises, Inc. Internally illuminatable card and lighter
US5950340A (en) * 1999-02-02 1999-09-14 Woo; Fay Kan-Kyone Sign box

Cited By (47)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20020157292A1 (en) * 2001-04-27 2002-10-31 Landers Elorian C. Lighted article with brightly illuminated indicia and method of fabricating same
US6615520B2 (en) * 2001-04-27 2003-09-09 Geewhiz.Com, Inc. Lighted article with brightly illuminated indicia and method of fabricating same
US6511195B2 (en) * 2001-05-17 2003-01-28 Fonderal S.R.L. Street lamp to carry a luminous plate and for lighting
GB2385190A (en) * 2002-02-07 2003-08-13 W M Sign Consultants Ltd Illuminated display
US20040216343A1 (en) * 2002-05-23 2004-11-04 Golding Glenmore A. Address illumination assembly
US6745507B2 (en) 2002-05-23 2004-06-08 Glenmore A. Golding Address illumination assembly
US6705743B1 (en) * 2002-07-18 2004-03-16 Ismail A Elembaby Display light apparatus
US7234856B2 (en) 2003-08-05 2007-06-26 Bahram Bahramian Electrical connector, LED assembly, and method of assembly therefor
US20050030763A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2005-02-10 Bahram Bahramian Electrical connector, LED assembly, and method of assembly therefor
US20050030748A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2005-02-10 Bahram Bahramian Low profile light panel
US20050210644A1 (en) * 2003-08-05 2005-09-29 Bahram Bahramian Low profile light panel
US7048398B2 (en) 2003-08-05 2006-05-23 Bahram Bahramian Low profile light panel
US7338196B2 (en) 2003-08-05 2008-03-04 Bahram Bahramian Low profile light panel
WO2005091025A1 (en) * 2004-03-15 2005-09-29 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Luminous module for mounting in a household appliance, and household appliance comprising the same
CN100416318C (en) * 2004-03-15 2008-09-03 Bsh博施及西门子家用器具有限公司 Luminous module for mounting in a household appliance, and household appliance comprising the same
US7374327B2 (en) * 2004-03-31 2008-05-20 Schexnaider Craig J Light panel illuminated by light emitting diodes
US20050219860A1 (en) * 2004-03-31 2005-10-06 Schexnaider Craig J Light panel illuminated by light emitting diodes
US20050239581A1 (en) * 2004-04-23 2005-10-27 Naylor Roger A Sr Illuminated display
US20080066356A1 (en) * 2004-08-06 2008-03-20 Miller David C Luminous Displays
CN100432786C (en) * 2005-03-08 2008-11-12 三星电子株式会社 Display apparatus and display components
US20070041188A1 (en) * 2005-08-18 2007-02-22 Angelos John F Snap on Christmas lights!
US20070062085A1 (en) * 2005-09-01 2007-03-22 Frank Pan Sign panel arrangement with three-dimensional illumination effect
US20070086193A1 (en) * 2005-10-13 2007-04-19 Chun-Ming Chen Luminous display stand
US20070234608A1 (en) * 2006-03-13 2007-10-11 Morrison David J Lighted display for graphic artwork
US7681347B1 (en) 2006-06-07 2010-03-23 Imageworks Display And Marketing Group Edge lit sign with illuminated image
US20090199444A1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2009-08-13 Spectrum Research Group Inc. Illuminated message board
WO2008020700A1 (en) * 2006-08-16 2008-02-21 Joo-Hyun Kim Assembling channel signboard
EP2023033A1 (en) * 2007-07-25 2009-02-11 King Sound Enterprises Co Ltd Low power consuption LED emergency light
US20100199533A1 (en) * 2009-02-09 2010-08-12 Robert Tsai Display box with LEDs
US20130329459A1 (en) * 2011-02-08 2013-12-12 GE Lighting Solutions, LLC Blade of light luminaire
US9395478B2 (en) * 2011-02-08 2016-07-19 GE Lighting Solutions, LLC Blade of light luminaire
US8984780B2 (en) * 2012-02-06 2015-03-24 GE Lighting Solutions, LLC Edge-lit light engine module for signs and sign
US20130199065A1 (en) * 2012-02-06 2013-08-08 GE Lighting Solutions, LLC Edge-Lit Light Engine Module for Signs and Sign
US10571103B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2020-02-25 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low voltage power supply for a merchandise display system
US11118770B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2021-09-14 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low voltage power supply for a merchandise display system
US11619371B2 (en) 2012-06-15 2023-04-04 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low voltage power supply for a merchandise display system
USD744040S1 (en) 2012-08-14 2015-11-24 Ben Schloss Edge lit magnetic sign
GB2510161A (en) * 2013-01-28 2014-07-30 Catchenergy Ltd Edge-lit display apparatus with interchangeable display panel
US10002552B1 (en) * 2013-03-16 2018-06-19 Alex Gologursky Light panel display apparatus for image sheet illumination
CN104898541A (en) * 2015-04-23 2015-09-09 河南职业技术学院 Intelligent automatic console of PLC electric appliance
US20190331841A1 (en) * 2016-12-28 2019-10-31 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Illuminating device and display device
CN110121677A (en) * 2016-12-28 2019-08-13 夏普株式会社 Lighting device and display device
US20190059340A1 (en) * 2017-08-31 2019-02-28 Joshua Douglas Brown Edge-Lit Laminated Aquarium Wall and Filtration Assembly
US20190231068A1 (en) * 2018-01-26 2019-08-01 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low Voltage Power System for a Merchandise Display
US11140980B2 (en) 2018-01-26 2021-10-12 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low voltage power system for a merchandise display
US20220053930A1 (en) * 2018-01-26 2022-02-24 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low Voltage Power System for a Merchandise Display
US10631635B2 (en) * 2018-01-26 2020-04-28 Rtc Industries, Inc. Low voltage power system for a merchandise display

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE20000775U1 (en) 2000-05-11

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6341440B1 (en) Multi-function signboard
US6394626B1 (en) Flexible light track for signage
US5697175A (en) Low power drain illuminated sign
US7374327B2 (en) Light panel illuminated by light emitting diodes
KR100986716B1 (en) Illumination apparatus for landscape
CN212644309U (en) Novel flexible LED light-emitting lamp area
KR100864734B1 (en) An outdoor lighting sign
KR200457680Y1 (en) A display assembly with sub-display
JPH09152840A (en) Illuminator for display part of sign, symbol, picture, and the like
KR200390836Y1 (en) A light emitting diode type advertisement signboard
KR200399436Y1 (en) A luminesccent diode type back-light signboard
KR20070062003A (en) Advertisement board of a having variable lighting color
KR20050007088A (en) A lighting
KR101439964B1 (en) Sign frame
KR200309733Y1 (en) Full color sign board
KR200387500Y1 (en) Advertisement board having variable lighting color
KR20070017927A (en) A luminesccent diode type back-light signboard
KR200311613Y1 (en) Advertisement device
CN218582953U (en) LED light-emitting lamp strip
KR200291662Y1 (en) Light emitting device using l.e.d
KR20060105399A (en) Advertisement board having variable lighting color
KR200214898Y1 (en) Illumination apparatus for variable versicolor using optical fiber
KR200445867Y1 (en) LED lamp for signboard
KR102016433B1 (en) Lighting system using LED-based bulb
KR200382642Y1 (en) Light emitting diode (led) device having a fuction of waterproof

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AS Assignment

Owner name: WEN TAI ENTERPRISE CO., LTD., TAIWAN

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:LEE, CHING-CHUAN;REEL/FRAME:010460/0282

Effective date: 19991110

FPAY Fee payment

Year of fee payment: 4

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
REIN Reinstatement after maintenance fee payment confirmed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED FOR FAILURE TO PAY MAINTENANCE FEES (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: EXP.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20060129

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PETITION RELATED TO MAINTENANCE FEES FILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: PMFP); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

FEPP Fee payment procedure

Free format text: PETITION RELATED TO MAINTENANCE FEES FILED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: PMFP); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: SMALL ENTITY

PRDP Patent reinstated due to the acceptance of a late maintenance fee

Effective date: 20081219

REMI Maintenance fee reminder mailed
LAPS Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
STCH Information on status: patent discontinuation

Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362

FP Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee

Effective date: 20100129